ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION

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1 NEWS SUMMER/FALL 2016 Vadnais HEIGHTS Building on the tradition of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow st Annual Vadnais Heights Heritage Days August 18-21, 2016 Get out and vote! Enjoy fun for all ages at the 2016 Heritage Days Celebration, thanks to the Heritage Days Planning Committee, the City of Vadnais Heights, many local community groups, and generous financial and in-kind contributors! All events take place at Community Park, 641 East County Road F, or Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights unless otherwise noted. Continued on page 2 IN THE NEWS 3 Economic development news 3 MADE IN VADNAIS HEIGHTS 3 Farmers Market 4 Parks & Recreation 6 News Briefs 7 Household HAzardous Waste 8 Friends & Neighbors Photo by Doug Heimstead The State s Primary Election is Tuesday, August 9; the General Election is Tuesday, November 8. Vadnais Heights polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Please consider voting during off-peak hours between 9 am and 3 pm to shorten lines for everyone. REGISTERING TO VOTE If you are not already registered, save time at the polls by pre-registering before July 19 for the Primary Election and before October 18 for the General Election. Your registration remains current until you move, change your name, or do not vote for four consecutive years. Pick up a voter registration card at City Hall or save time by registering online at Not sure if you are registered? Visit to lookup if you are registered. To register online, you must: Be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota Provide an address Provide your identification number: MN-issued driver s license MN ID card or Last 4 digits of Social Security Number If you do not have an address and one of the identification numbers above, you cannot register online but can register with a paper voter registration application. Who can register and vote in Minnesota? A U.S. citizen At least 18 years old on Election Day A resident of Minnesota for 20 days Finished with all parts of any felony sentence You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION To register at your polling place on Election Day, bring one proof of residence listed below. 1) ID with current name and address Valid Minnesota driver s license, learner s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature 2) Photo ID and a document with current name and address. Approved photo IDs (choose one) The ID can be expired Driver s license, state ID or learner s permit issued by any state U.S. Passport U.S. Military or Veteran ID Tribal ID with name, signature and photo Minnesota university, college or technical college ID Minnesota high school ID Approved documents (choose one) Can be shown on electronic device. Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for: Phone, TV or internet Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water Banking or credit card Rent or mortgage Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day Current student fee statement 3) Registered voter who can confirm your address A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as vouching. A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you. 4) College student ID with housing list Colleges and universities send election officials a student housing list. If you are on the list, show your college photo ID to complete your registration. 5) Valid registration in the same precinct If you are registered in the precinct but changed names or moved within the same precinct, you only need to tell the election judge your previous name or address. 6) Notice of Late Registration If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you may get a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Bring it with you and use it as your proof of residence to register. ABSENTEE VOTING Voters no longer need to state a reason for voting absentee prior to Election Day. You can vote either in person or through the mail. If you wish to vote by mail, you can apply at any time! Visit click on Other Ways to Vote and complete the application online. Ballots will be mailed at the beginning of the absentee voting period. After the absentee voting period has begun, ballots will be sent out on the same day that an application is received. Continued on page 2 The City of Vadnais Heights 800 East County Road E Vadnais Heights, MN

2 Get out and vote! Continued from page 1 Absentee voting for the Primary Election began on June 24; General Election absentee voting begins on September 23. Voters in Vadnais Heights who wish to cast their absentee ballots in person may do so at the Ramsey County Elections office, located at 90 W. Plato Blvd, Suite 160, in Saint Paul. Vadnais Heights City Hall will have limited hours for in person absentee voting and these hours will be posted on the City web site as they are made available. For more information visit Ramsey County Elections at RUN FOR MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL Terms for Mayor and two City Council Members will be on the November 8 General Election ballot. The Mayor will serve a two-year term and two Council Members will serve for four years beginning on the first business day of January Mayor and Council Members commit to attending approximately three to four meetings per month. Each candidate must fill out an affidavit of candidacy and submit a $5.00 filing fee. File your affidavit of candidacy at City Hall from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, between August 2 and August 15 and from 8 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, August 16. If you have any election questions contact Kathy Keefe at or kathy.keefe@cityvadnaisheights.com. Precinct 1 Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F Precinct 2 Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F Precinct 3 Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F Precinct 4 South Fire Station, 3595 Arcade Street A candidate for Mayor or City Council Member in Vadnais Heights must: Be an eligible voter Have no other affidavit on file as a candidate for any office at the same time Be at least 21 years old when assuming office Have maintained a residence in Vadnais Heights for at least 30 days before the general election 41st Annual Vadnais Heights Heritage Days Continued from page 1 The Medallion Hunt offers a $200 prize! It begins on Monday, August 15, with clues posted at City Hall, Community Park, Kohler Meadows Park, and on the City s website, and on the medallion hotline ( ). Find the Medallion, win the $200 prize! Sponsored by Premier Bank. Lions Cash Raffle. Raffle tickets $5 each. Prize: 1st- $800, 2nd- $150, 3rd- $50. Drawing on Sunday, August 21 at 4 pm at stage. Proceeds donated to community and Lions Club projects. Thursday, August 18 Senior Picnic. 11:30 am-2 pm at Vadnais Heights Commons. Information displays 10 am-noon. Cost is $5 per person. Advanced registration required by August 11. Sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Lions Club and the Vadnais Heights Parks and Recreation Department. Water Ski Show. 7 pm at Goose Lake on Hoffman Road, White Bear Lake. Medallion Hunt Friday, August 19 Breakfast at Gable Pines (1260 East County Rd E). 8:30-10:30 am. RSVP to Open to all ages. $5 suggested donation per person, benefiting the Vadnais Heights Senior Hi-Lites. The Scottie Miller Band. 6-9 pm. Bingo. 6:30-9 pm at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Sponsored by AFSA High School. Movie in the Park. Featuring Zootopia. Begins at 9 pm. Popcorn, root beer, & water for sale. Bring your blanket and lawn chair. Sponsored by F & M Bank. Medallion Hunt Food vendors, beer, wine and craft beer. Saturday, August 20 Kiddie Parade. Children age 12 and under line up at 9:45 am and begin at 10:00 am. The parade starts at the flagpole and ends at the free Children s Games. Sponsored by the Children s Discovery Academy. Children s Games and Watermelon Contest. 10:30 am-12:30 pm sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Lions Club. Free, donations accepted. Lions Annual Pig Roast. 11:30 am and continues until the pork is gone. Proceeds benefit the Vadnais Heights Lions Club. Dunk Tank. Noon-5 pm. All proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts. Magic Bounce Fun Zone. Noon-9 pm. Interactives, moonwalks, and bouncer/slider combo. Merchandise Mart & Craft Fair, Commercial Vendors. Noon-5 pm. Bean Bag Tournament. Double elimination, two players per team. Check in from noon to 1 pm. Play begins at 1 pm. $20 per team. First 32 teams accepted. Online registration available. Teen Games. Begins at 1 pm. Games, music and prizes. Ages 12 and up. Free. Water Ball Tournament. In house competition between VH Firefighter teams. Begins at 1 pm. Co-Rec Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament. Online registration available. Sponsored by Macaluso s, Mad Jack s and Jimmy s. Free and Easy Band pm (before & after fireworks). Fireworks. Enjoy a pyro-musical fireworks display at dusk. Sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Lions Club and Heritage Days sponsors. Medallion Hunt Food vendors, beer, wine and craft beer. Sunday, August 21 Fire Relief Association Booya. 8 am until gone. Delicious! Car Show. 11 am-3 pm, presented by Cops-n-Rodders. Sponsored by Culver s of Vadnais Heights. Grande Parade. Starts at noon at the intersection of McMenemy and Oak Grove Parkway, heads south down McMenemy to County Road F, and turns east to Community Park. Dunk Tank. Noon-5 pm. All proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts. Merchandise Mart & Craft Fair, Commercial Vendors. Noon-5 pm. Bingo. 1-5 pm under the tent. Sponsored by AFSA High School Parent Booster Club. Magic Bounce Fun Zone. 1-5 pm. Interactives, moonwalks, and bouncer/slider combo. WildCat Combo Band. 1:30-4:30 pm. Featuring former members of Raggs and Austin Healy. Men s D Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament. Online registration available. Sponsored by Macaluso s, Mad Jack s and Jimmy s. Medallion Hunt Food vendors, beer, wine and craft beer. Heritage Days Food Vendors Enjoy the wide variety of food vendors at Vadnais Heights Heritage Days. In addition to sponsoring Saturday s pig roast, the Lions will sell beer, wine and craft beer, corn on the cob, root beer, hamburgers, pork sliders and coleslaw. Culver s will sell frozen custard and the Boy Scouts will sell pop during Sunday s Fire Relief Association Booya. Other culinary delights include pizza, gyros, mini donuts, corn dogs, cheese curds, French fries, nachos, onion rings, hamburgers, philly cheese steaks, water and more. Become a volunteer! Volunteer opportunities available throughout Heritage Days. It s a great way to meet new friends and neighbors. Call to see how you can get involved Sponsors The Heritage Days Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank the many businesses and organizations that volunteer, contribute financially or in-kind directly to groups involved with Heritage Days. A special thanks to businesses and organizations listed below whose financial donations helped make Heritage Days events possible. For more information on Heritage Days activities, call Vadnais Heights City Hall at Platinum Sponsors: City of Vadnais Heights; F & M Bank; Vadnais Heights Community Foundation Endowment; Vadnais Heights Lions Club. Gold Sponsors: Blue Line Logistics; Cities Credit Union; Culver s of Vadnais Heights; Erickson, Bell, Beckman & Quinn, P.A.; H.B. Fuller Company; Mad Jacks Sports Cafe; NAC Mechanical & Electrical Services; Volp Vadnais Heights, LLC (Heights Plaza). Silver Sponsors: American Engineering Testing; Children s Discovery Academy; Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc.; LOFTech; Enrich, Inc.; Rotary Club of Vadnais Heights; Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.; Thane Hawkins Polar Chevrolet; Twin City Refuse & Recycling Transfer Station; Walters Recycling & Refuse, Inc.; Xcel Energy. Bronze Sponsors: Barnett White Bear Chrysler Jeep Dodge; CherryBerry; Connexus Energy; Dey Distributing, Inc.; Goff Homes, Inc.; Great Clips; Langers Tree Service; Nexen Group, Inc.; Premier Bank; Renstrom Dental Studio, Inc.; Twin Cities Metro CDC; Urban s Farm & Greenhouses, LLC; White Bear Lincoln, Inc. Additional Supporters: Custom Remodelers, Inc.; Independent Parts & Service, Inc.; Jimmy s Food & Drink; Midwest Consolidators International, Inc.; Target; Waste Management. Page 2 The City of Vadnais Heights SUMMER/FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER

3 Economic Development News Summer is here and we are well into the construction season... As if we didn t know sitting in traffic along I-35E. Nonetheless, we have lots of excitement on the development side of things. In June, the City welcomed the grand opening of a new retail business in our community with Pet Supplies Plus. Located in the Vadnais Square Shopping Center, Pet Supplies Plus can provide all your pet needs... including self wash pet washing tubs! The City is delighted to welcome Fresh Thyme Farmer s Market into the community as well with a tentative grand opening of August 3! Construction is nearing completion as the signage was recently installed. Fresh Thyme prides itself in fresh and healthy food at affordable prices. This will be the second store in Minnesota with more to come throughout the metro. For more information, visit freshthyme.com. People s Bank Midwest is constructing a new 4,595 square foot building at the southwest corner of Highway 61 and County Road E, within the Vadnais Sports Center development. When the Vadnais Sports Center was developed, three additional buildable lots were planned for; this is the first of the three lots to be built on. The City is pleased to welcome People s Bank Midwest from their current location in Maplewood. Also on the Vadnais Sports Center site, we are welcoming a new school. Gentry Academy is building a school to service children from the 5th to 12th grade. The school focuses on providing excellence in academics, leadership and athletics. Gentry will be partnering with Ramsey County and the Vadnais Sports Center facility for many of the athletic activities. The building is three stories and just over 38,000 square feet, plus a basement. The City continues to be excited to have a great new restaurant, Punch Neapolitan Pizza, moving into our community around Labor Day. The restaurant will be one of two tenants opening in the new building being constructed in front of Noodles & Company at the corner of Highway 96 and Centerville Road. We are excited to say the second tenant has been announced as Starbucks which will have a drive thru. Kwik Trip, Inc. will be constructing a new convenience store/gas station at the southeast corner of Highway 61 and Buerkle Road later this summer. The project involves the redevelopment of this corner, including the demolition of the multi-tenant commercial building and Kirtland Electric buildings. Demo has occurred and construction should start soon, if not by print of this newsletter. The City is excited to welcome a new residential development at the southern end of our community. Liberty Village is a planned unit development at 3180 Edgerton Street (former Green Value Nursery site) just north of I-694. Liberty Village will include 42 townhouses and a memory/assisted living facility on the site nearest Edgerton. Traffic to the facility is expected to be minimal and the townhomes will be attractive for empty nesters or single first-time home buyers. If you have any questions about new development in our community, please contact City Administrator Kevin Watson, Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the doors at Du Fresne Manufacturing? Du Fresne Manufacturing (DMC) has been in business for 25 years with 20 of these years here in Vadnais Heights. Founded in 1991 as an idea from the minds of an entrepreneurial group employed at another sheet metal fabrication company. The opportunity became a realization as seven individuals, led by Robert L. Du Fresne President and CEO started operations after acquiring the remnants of another sheet metal shop in receivership. DMC operates it business in two facilities that are within a one-mile proximity of each other with 110 culturally diverse members employed. Its headquarters are in Vadnais Heights, MN where its administration, sales, design, engineering and manufacturing are located. The second facility is located in White Bear Lake, MN where its electro-mechanical assembly and logistics management are located. As a solutions provider, these facilities provide high precision metal fabrication, product design, development and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) for a diversified customer base in the medical, high-tech, industrial and telecom market segments, including, Cartology, DMC s own innovative product line of specialized carts and innovative technologies. Over the years, DMC has been fortunate to work with a domestic as well an international customer base comprised of industry world leaders that support the same values of continuous growth and improvement such as 3M, Medtronic, ThyssenKrupp Elevators, Medivators and Datacard. The days go by fast at Du Fresne Manufacturing, with mostly Fortune 500 customers, the metal fabrication designs and assemblies we make for them run through our shop with great efficiency, speed and quality. Led by a well trained and experienced manufacturing group, supported by $20 million dollars in state of the industry machinery (Amada 5000 watt metal cutting laser, Amada robotic press brakes, robotic welders, laser inspection scanners, etc.) DMC is a leader in our industry. DMC is also a leader in human development. Led by our Vice President of Human Development, Kris Diemer, their goal is to continually educate, train and promote our members to ever increasing levels of responsibility and wage in their careers. Du Fresne starts their development at the local junior and senior high schools by participating in career panel discussions, area business expo s to engage our area youth and bringing students to Du Fresne to not only see what we do but to actually talk with our people about how they developed their careers. Once employed, they develop a career plan to help their members see what their future looks like. At Du Fresne, this is called Oblitunity, or the moral obligation on our part to continually provide ever increasing levels of opportunity for its members to help them reach their career goals. Farmers Market Begins Inaugural Season in Vadnais Heights If you haven t checked it out yet this summer, come out to the Vadnais Heights Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons! Vadnais Heights is one of two new farmers market locations added this summer by the St. Paul Growers Association. The association, operates over 20 markets throughout the Twin Cities, allows only fresh, locally grown produce to be sold directly from the grower to the consumer. Items you can find at the market include a great variety of locally grown produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes, radishes, cauliflower and so much more. Also, there are added items such as bakery items, jams, etc. Several of the vendors at the market are Vadnais Heights residents. The market is located behind the Helene Houle Medical Building near the intersection of County Road E and Labore Road. The market runs 2 to 6 pm on Wednesdays through September 28. In addition, each week at the Market there will be a community organization as well as a health/wellness organization present. Special features of this local market include partnerships with the local food shelves in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake. Shoppers will have the opportunity to buy one, donate one to support increasing the supply of fresh offerings at the local food shelves. In addition, anybody who is on the EBT program can bring their card to the Market, and receive a $1 for $1 match up to $10. This can be taken advantage weekly by EBT program participants. The origins of bringing this market to Vadnais Heights began with the City Center Task Force, a partnership between VHEDC and the City of Vadnais Heights working on projects to increase the economic vitality in the City Center of Vadnais Heights. The VHEDC would like to especially thank the Davis Group, property management company of the Helene Houle Medical Center for their support. VHEDC Executive Director, Ling Becker affirmed the various participants contributing to the project, It was with the support and effort of many community partners that we were able to bring this great feature to the community in a very short timeframe. We are looking forward to a wonderful season and invite all those live and work in the area to come and check it out! The City of Vadnais Heights SUMMER/FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER Page 3

4 Vadnais Heights PARKS & RECREATION FALL 2016 SIGN UP NOW First-come, first-served! Register Online! Conveniently register online at Click Recreation, then click on the activity that interests you and follow the prompts. No fee to register online. FINANCIAL AID We offer financial aid to qualifying residents. Please call for more information. ACCESSIBILITY Our goal is to make it possible for everyone, including people with disabilities, to take advantage of parks and recreation programs and services. Our staff and volunteers will work with individuals and groups to accommodate persons with special needs. Please call with any questions or requests. FACEBOOK For Parks and Recreation updates, find the City of Vadnais Heights on Facebook! IT PAYS TO BE A VOLUNTEER COACH We waive participant fees when a parent or guardian volunteers as a coach in youth sport league programs. WORK FOR PARKS & RECREATION Become a floor hockey instructor or warming house staff person. Call Brigid Nault at or contact City Hall for an application. Please fill out a separate form for each activity/child. Additional forms may be photocopied or picked up at City Hall. All information must be completed before registration can be processed. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned. WEATHER HOTLINE For information about outdoor program cancellations due to inclement weather, call LOCATIONS FOR PROGRAMS/EVENTS City Hall 800 East County Road E Community Park 641 East County Road F VH Elementary School 3645 Centerville Road Kohler Meadows Park 365 East County Road F Lily Pond Park 325 Lily Pond Lane Vadnais Heights Commons 655 East County Road F AFSA High School 100 Vadnais Boulevard Vadnais Heights Parks & Recreation Registration Form Welcome to the Vadnais Heights Parks and Recreation Department. The City of Vadnais Heights takes pride in providing high-quality parks, trails, recreation programs, and services all year for residents of all ages and abilities. Our parks, trails, and programs encourage healthy lifestyles, increase property values, develop community pride, protect the environment, and relieve stress. For more Parks & Recreation information, visit the City s website: Exploring places to be active in Ramsey County is easy with Go Ramsey Communities. This interactive web-based mapping and mobile application provides a fun way to search for parks, trails, lakes, and recreational facilities in Ramsey County. Visit the site at The Go Ramsey mobile web app can be accessed through the same address used for the full desktop site. For your convenience we recommend you register online at Simply click on Recreation, then click on the activity that you are interested in and follow the prompts. There is no additional fee to register online. Questions? or Online: Drop off: City Hall, Monday-Friday from 8 am-4:30 pm (After hours drop-box located in driveway) By mail: City Hall, 800 East County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN Participant s name Date of birth Age Gender Grade Level/School Name Activity name Activity number Time Fee OUTDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE Designed to increase playing experience and introduce young people to soccer, this league emphasizes team play, sportsmanship, skill development, and socialization. We spend the first minutes warming up and the last 45 minutes playing a game. Please have your child wear appropriate clothing and shoes, wear shin guards, and bring a water bottle. We place participants randomly on teams of ten players. Volunteer coaches needed (fee waived). Coaches meeting: Mon, Sept. 12, 7 pm at Vadnais Heights Commons. Registration deadline: Thu, Sept. 8. No games Oct. 22. Cost: $40/resident; $50/ non-resident Ages 4-5 Sat, Sept. 17 Oct :30-11:45 am Kohler Meadows & Lily Pond Ages 6-7 Sat, Sept. 17 Oct. 29 Noon-1:15 pm Kohler Meadows & Lily Pond Ages 8-12 Sat, Sept. 17 Oct :15 am Kohler Meadows & Lily Pond FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE Learn strategies, teamwork, and football skills in this introductory flag football experience. Please have your child wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. Volunteer coaches needed (fee waived). Coaches meeting: Tue, Sept. 13, 7 pm at Vadnais Heights Commons. Registration deadline: Thu, Sept. 8. No games Oct. 22. Cost: $40/resident; $50/non-resident Grades 1-2 Sat, Sept. 17 Oct. 29 9:45-11 am Community Park Grades 3-5 Sat, Sept. 17 Oct :15 am-12:30 pm Community Park FLOOR HOCKEY CLASS Learn fundamentals in an instructional setting. Equipment provided. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Registration deadline: Mon, Nov. 7. No class Nov. 26. Cost: $35/resident; $45/non-resident Ages 4-6 Sat, Nov. 12 Dec :15-11:15 am AFSA HS Ages 7-10 Sat, Nov. 12 Dec :15 am-12:15 pm AFSA HS Make checks payable to: The City of Vadnais Heights All NSF checks are subject to a $30.00 return check fee. Refund policy: Refunds will be issued when requested, two working days prior to the activity/class starting date. A $5 service charge will be deducted from refund. Parent/Guardian Primary Phone Alternate Phone Parent/Guardian Primary Phone Alternate Phone (REQUIRED-please print clearly-program updates are sent by ) Street Address City/State Zip Emergency Contact (REQUIRED) Phone Relationship I am interested in being a volunteer coach. Name/Day Phone: Coach T-Shirt Size: Any information our staff should be made aware of (i.e. disability, allergy, special need, etc.): Special requests for teammates are not guaranteed and are limited to one request per player. Group requests will not be honored. It is the City s goal to encourage players to make new friends and develop social skills. Name teammate request here: Permission and waiver: I hereby agree to allow my child or myself to participate in the above named activity. In consideration of your accepting this registration, I hereby, by myself and my heirs, waive any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against the City of Vadnais Heights and its representatives, for any and all injuries from whatever cause suffered by the above participant(s) in the indicated activity. I understand that the information that I have provided will be distributed to individuals involved with each recreation program. The City of Vadnais Heights may take pictures and videos of participants enjoying their activities, and I grant permission for the City to use the name, image, and quotes of my child (ren). BASKETBALL LEAGUE Learn basketball fundamentals and game rules in a league setting. Teams will have 6 combined practice/games during the session. Volunteer coaches needed (fee waived). Coaches meeting: Tues, Oct. 18, 7 pm at Vadnais Heights Commons. Registration deadline: Fri, Oct. 14. No games Nov. 8, 22. Cost: $40/ resident; $50/non-resident. Parent/Guardian signature CONFIRMATIONS An automated confirmation will be sent to the provided above. Date Grades 1-2 Tue, Oct. 25 Dec :15 pm VH Elementary School Grades 3-5 Tue, Oct. 25 Dec. 13 7:15-8:30 pm VH Elementary School Office use only Date: By: Payment type: Cash Check # Amount $

5 INDOOR SOCCER Participants learn basic soccer skills and fundamentals in a gym setting, using soft foam balls. 5-week class. Registration deadline: Fri, Nov. 4. No class Nov. 23. Cost: $35/resident; $45/non-resident Ages 3-5 Wed, Nov. 9 Dec pm VH Elementary Gym Ages 6-8 Wed, Nov. 9 Dec pm VH Elementary Gym DANCE CLASSES Instructor Jenny Hansell and her Happy Feet Dance Company staff have more than 30 years of combined teaching experience, bringing a wide variety of classes to all ages across the north metro area. She is excited to once again bring her popular, high energy program to Vadnais Heights! We are offering an action packed 12-week session with an exciting holiday dance show at the conclusion of the session on Thursday, Dec. 8. Classes will be held at Vadnais Heights Elementary School, with our Holiday Dance Show taking place at the White Bear Lake HS North Campus Auditorium. Tap, Jazz & Ballet Level 2 Grades 6-8 Middle school dancers will learn tap, jazz, and ballet technique along with dance terminology and fun choreography, while building on existing skills. Students work on flexibility and memory by learning a variety of dance combinations throughout the session. Students will also be introduced to lyrical and contemporary styles of dance Tue, Sept. 13 Dec. 6; Thu, Dec. 8 7:45-8:30 pm VH Elementary COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARTY Mon, Oct pm VH Commons Enjoy an evening of entertainment and fun; Circus Manduhai Show from 6:30-7:15 pm, Halloween treats, balloon animals and refreshments. Get into the Halloween spirit with this free community event. This event is sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Fire Relief Association and the Vadnais Heights Parks and Recreation Department. Dancers should wear a leotard and tights or form fitting, comfortable clothing. All dancers will need tap and ballet shoes. Dance shoes will be available for purchase the first week of class. If you already have shoes, please bring them for the first class. Please feel free to instructor Jenny Hansell with questions regarding the program at missjenny@happyfeetdancecompany.com. Registration deadline: Fri, Sept. 9 or until full. No class Nov. 8, 22 Cost: $93/ resident; $103/non-resident. Hop N Tots Preschool Ages (Must be 30 months by start of class) A 45-minute, high-energy class that focuses on rhythm, balance, and coordination. Through the use of props, such as tambourines, scarves, and pompoms, your child will start with the basics while having tons of fun! Tue, Sept. 13 Dec. 6; Thu, Dec. 8 5:15-6 pm VH Elementary Creative Dance Pre-Kindergarten Ages 4 & 5 (Must be entering Kindergarten Fall of 2017) In this fun-filled class, dancers will be introduced to beginning tap and ballet technique. We will spend the 45-minutes focusing on basic positions, dance terminology and lots of creative movement to fun music! Tue, Sept. 13 Dec. 6; Thu, Dec. 8 5:15-6 pm VH Elementary KinderDance Kindergarten Ages 5 & 6 (Must be entering Kindergarten Fall of 2016) Kids will love to move and groove in this 45-minute class that includes tap, jazz and ballet. We will use fun music and props, along with introducing new skills to dancers in this class designed just for kindergarteners! Tue, Sept. 13 Dec. 6; Thu, Dec. 8 6:15-7 pm VH Elementary Intermediate Dance Grades 1 & 2 Students will learn a variety of dance skills in tap, ballet, and jazz. Focus on improving flexibility and learning choreography while adding to existing dance knowledge. This is an active, fun-filled, 45-minute class! Tue, Sept. 13 Dec. 6; Thu, Dec :45 pm VH Elementary Tap, Jazz & Ballet Level 1 Grades 3-5 Beginner and intermediate dancers learn tap, jazz, and ballet technique along with dance terminology and fun choreography, while building on existing skills. Students work on flexibility and memory by learning a variety of dance combinations throughout the session Tue, Sept. 13 Dec. 6; Thu, Dec. 8 7:45-8:30 pm VH Elementary YOGA Everyone can enjoy yoga it s not just for those who are already flexible. If you would like to relax more, gain strength and endurance, and stretch deeper, come and see what yoga is about! This is a mixed level class with beginners welcome. Nancy Erickson has been practicing yoga for 18 years and has taught for eight years. She is certified in YogaFit for beginner, intermediate, and senior yoga. Nancy is passionate about using yoga to bring more physical, emotional, and spiritual balance to our lives. Bring your own yoga mat and wear loose comfortable clothing. Consult with your physician before registering for yoga. If you have special concerns or circumstances that could prohibit or restrict movement, please communicate those needs to the instructor. 7-week class. Registration deadline: Fri, Sept. 9. Minimum 10 participants. Cost: $53/resident; $63/non-resident Mixed level Adults (13+) Mon, Sept. 12 Oct. 24 6:30-7:30 pm VH Commons FALL ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES Weekly double-header format; game times are 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm. 10 games over 6 weeks, weather permitting. Cost for Men s Silver D and Men s Bronze E: $519 after July 15. Cost for Co-Rec Leagues: $547 after July 15. Registration deadline: Fri, Aug. 5 or until full. No games Mon, Sept. 5. Registration forms and online registration is available at Six-team limit per league, so sign your team up now! Men s Silver D Begins Mon, Aug Men s Bronze E Begins Tue, Aug Co-Rec D Begins Wed, Aug Co-Rec D Begins Thu, Aug. 18 FALL ADULT OPEN GYM Vadnais Heights Parks and Recreation Department offers open gym at the AFSA High School, beginning Sat, Nov. 12. No open gym Nov. 26, Dec. 24, 31. Cost: Adult $3. All participants sign in and provide identification to the open gym supervisor. For more information please call the Parks and Recreation office at or Volleyball (pick-up games) Basketball (pick-up games) Tue, 6-9 pm Adults Sat, 8-10 am Adults PJs WITH SANTA This annual holiday event features Santa, The Wizard of Oz Puppet Show at 6:15 and 7:15 pm, a face painter, balloon animals, holiday games, cookies, and participants of all ages! Parents must accompany children throughout the event. Wear pajamas if you like. Cost: $10 per family/resident; $20 per family/ non-resident. Registration deadline: Mon, Nov Fri, Dec pm VH Commons Vadnais Heights Seniors Area seniors are invited to join the Vadnais Heights Hi-Lites, an active group of seniors who get together twice a month, usually on the second and fourth Wednesdays, for fellowship and social activities. The group meets at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road. For more information or to receive the Hi-Lites newsletter, call City Hall at or Senior Program Coordinator Josephine Christensen at Enjoy Our Parks & Trails! The City of Vadnais Heights boasts more than 100 acres of parkland. Our 14 parks include playground equipment, trails, hard surface areas, picnic shelters, soccer and baseball/softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, and restrooms. Residents enjoy parks outside Vadnais Heights, too. Vadnais-Sucker Lake Regional Park, for example, has 1,252 acres of woods, lakes, trails, and picnic areas. Situated on land owned by St. Paul Regional Water Services, the park is operated by Ramsey County Parks and Recreation. For a list of parks and trails, please go to the City s website: Area Recreation Contact Information: Organization Phone # / Website Vadnais Sports Center parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/arenas Tamarack Nature Center parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack Ramsey County Parks & Rec parks.co.ramsey.mn.us WBL School District Com. Serv whitebear.k12.mn.us/communityservices White Bear Area Senior Prog whitebear.k12.mn.us/communityservices White Bear Area YMCA YMCATwinCities.org Mounds View School District MoundsviewSchools.org Shoreview Community Center ShoreviewCommunityCenter.com Lakeshore Players Theatre LakeshorePlayers.com White Bear Center for the Arts WhiteBearArts.org

6 SUMMER/FALL 2016 Vadnais Heights News Briefs New City Website Coming Soon! The City has been working with CivicPlus to design and update a new City website. CivicPlus specializes in government sites and worked on several websites around Minnesota and the metro. The website will be a tremendous upgrade from the former as it will have a higher function for city government and citizen needs as it relates to the City Code, event calendar, community news, development process, online payments and registrations, notifications and more. The website will be modern and mobile-friendly, allowing the user to navigate from a variety of routes and interact with social media. Everyone uses websites differently, and it s our hope the new website will allow great user interaction and enhance communication in a way that works best for the user. The new website is expected to launch in August. Street, Utility and Transportation Improvements Work began in July, on resurfacing English and Montmorency Streets. Property owners abutting these streets have been notified by mail of the construction schedule. Public Works staff also continues to work on pothole patching in numerous areas throughout the community. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDot) continues with construction of several improvements along I-35 E. While we recognize that construction work on busy freeways can be inconvenient, the City does appreciate the investment that the State is making in our area. The replacement of the Goose Lake Road Bridge continues toward completion in Fall The construction of two new traffic lanes along Interstate 35 E between County Road E and Trunk Highway 96 also continues, as does the work to widen the Trunk Highway 96 bridge over I-35 E. Patience with these projects is needed as when they are complete, they will be great assets to our road system. Please know that the City has a dedicated and experienced team of public works and parks staff to maintain and improve the system of streets, utilities and parks that serve residents and business owners. Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation Grants Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF) awards grants twice a year to 501(c)3 charitable and governmental organizations and is now accepting grant applications. These grants support area programs that further the Foundation s mission of strengthening our community. Past grants have included funds to local libraries; local food shelves; organizations helping families in crisis and in need of transitional housing; local arts and cultural events; support for organizations helping those with disabilities; local educational and public safety needs. The area of grant eligibility encompasses both ISD 621 and 624, which serve Vadnais Heights. Applications may be found on the VHACF website at info@vhacf.org with any questions. The deadline for Fall 2016 grant applications is August 31, Donations can be made online or by mail with a check payable to VHACF: PO Box , Vadnais Heights, MN Thank you for your support of our community! Summer Water Usage The City s summer water usage rules are in effect through September 15. This ban applies only to water from our municipal system and helps to conserve water and ensure an adequate supply for fire emergencies. If the last digit of your address is an odd number, you may water your yard and garden on odd-numbered days of the month. If the last digit of your address is an even number, you may water your yard and garden on even numbered days of the month. This rule applies to every business and residence, including those governed by homeowner associations, and makes an exception only for newly seeded or sodded areas and new trees or shrubs. If you have questions regarding usage or the City s water supply system, contact City Engineer Mark Graham at or mark.graham@cityvadnaisheights.com. Water Conservation Tips Here are some water conservation tips and tricks that will help you reduce water use. 1. Always turn taps off tightly so they don t leak. 2. When washing dishes or brushing your teeth, never run water continuously. 3. When using an electric dishwasher, use it only to wash full loads and use the shortest cycle possible. Many dishwashers have a water conservation or low flow cycle. 4. Install low flow shower heads. Studies have shown they can reduce water consumption by 20%. 5. Use the shortest cycle possible for your clothes washing machine. Many machines also have a water conservation cycle. 6. Water lawns during the cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening. Don t water on windy days, as you may end up watering the street or your neighbors property instead! 7. Don t water your lawn in anticipation of a shortage later in the week. Your lawn can not store extra water. 8. Low flush toilets can reduce water consumption by 40% without sacrificing efficiency Community Survey The City recently received the results of the 2016 Community Survey of our residents. The results are available online at The survey was conducted via the telephone, both land lines and cell phones, of about 400 residents. The number is important as it s enough to make the data received scientifically accurate and a good representation of the community as a whole. A solid 97% rate the quality of life as either excellent or good; but, the 37% rating it as excellent is well above the median for suburbs within the Metropolitan Area. Residents seem satisfied, enthusiastically so, with their lives in the city. Ninety-six percent of the sample report the strength of community identity and sense of neighborliness in the City of Vadnais Heights is excellent or good. All in all, the feedback was very positive about the direction the City is going. We will use the information moving forward as guidance to what projects or policies the City Council should address next. We hope to provide more of a break down regarding the survey in the next newsletter. In the meantime, please visit the city s website if you are interested in the details. Want to Help Prevent Home Sanitary Sewer Backups? The City has noticed a significant increase in disposable wet wipes being flushed into the sanitary sewer system. In spite of the advertisements that this is safe and eco-friendly, it is certainly NOT friendly to our network of pipes and pumps. During our routine flushing and cleaning, we have seen a number of instances where these wipes clog together to create a mass that hinders or blocks the flow. Please do not dispose of any wipes in your toilet. If our 8 inch mains in the street with high flow can get blocked, imagine the problems that you could create in your 4 inch house service with low flow. The sewer blockage you save may be your own. If you have any questions, please call City Engineer Mark Graham at Community Park Playground Improvements Community Park is getting a new playground! City Parks staff recently recommended that the Community Park playground be replaced. The play structure was built in 1992 and is our oldest playground. Play structure replacement was discussed by the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission and budgeted for in Following a bid solicitation process, the City awarded a bid to Minnesota-Wisconsin Playground for the project. An artist s rendering of the playground illustrates the improvements. We believe kids of all ages will enjoy the new equipment. Work to install the play structure began in July and will be completed before school starts. We will continue to assess our park amenities and welcome continued feedback on our facilities within the park. We look forward to hearing from kids about the new playground equipment. Recycle Your Organic Material at a Ramsey County Yard Waste Site Organic waste is any waste that comes from a plant or animal and is compostable (or biodegradable) such as food scraps, non-recyclable paper, coffee grounds, and more. Ramsey County residents can recycle their organic waste for free at a Ramsey County Yard Waste site. How do I recycle organics at Ramsey County Yard Waste Sites? 1. Pick up FREE compostable bags at one of the Ramsey County yard waste sites (except Arden Hills). If using a compostable bag not provided by the County, check that it has the compostable logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) on the bag or the box. 2. Fill the bags with food waste and other organic waste. 3. Bring your bagged organics to a Ramsey County yard waste site (except Arden Hills). 4. Put your bagged organics in the designated dumpster labeled organics recycling. 5. If you need more compostable bags, ask a yard waste monitor. *Keep food waste separate from yard waste Page 6 The City of Vadnais Heights SUMMER/FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER

7 Items NOT Considered Organic Waste Plastics, metals, glass, Styrofoam, wood, rubber, and liquids. Diapers (including biodegradable ones), kitty litter, animal feces, and dead animals. Kraft yard waste bags (suggest reusing if possible before final disposal). Other items that are not compostable. For questions on organics visit RamseyRecycles.com and click on Organic Waste and Accepted Items or call Ramsey County s Recycling and Disposal Hotline at EASY (3279) answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Grass and Shrub Disposal Dispose of brush, leaves, grass clippings, soft-bodied plants, and all parts of a tree except stumps at Ramsey County s White Bear Township site, south of County Road J on Sherwood Road. To get there, travel north on Centerville Road, take a left on County Road J, and then turn left on Sherwood Road. Leaves, grass clippings, trees and other types of plant waste are banned from the trash. Soft plant waste such as leaves and grass are turned into compost for residents to take at no charge at the County Yard Waste Sites in the spring. Trees, shrubs, branches and other woody plants are ground into mulch for residents to take at no charge. It is also used as a fuel source to create electricity and supply heating and cooling to downtown Saint Paul and neighboring communities. The sites are free and open to Ramsey County residents only. A photo ID is required as proof of residency because this program is paid for by Ramsey County taxpayers. Bags of yard waste must be emptied on site and taken with you. Biodegradable bags are not accepted because their presence in the pile invites non-biodegradable bags. For more information including other yard waste collection sites, visit RamseyRecycles.com or call EASY (3279) answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Night to Unite Celebrate community spirit! On Tuesday, August 2, 2016 from 5 to 9 pm, the Ramsey County Sheriff s Office, in collaboration with the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association and AAA of Minnesota/Iowa, is once again sponsoring Night to Unite. Residents and businesses in Vadnais Heights are encouraged to plan and hold a Night to Unite event in your neighborhood. For help planning your gathering, please visit (search Night to Unite ) or contact the Ramsey County Crime Prevention Unit at Animal Laws In addition to requiring pet licenses, the City also enforces other animal regulations. No one may keep more than three domestic animals on the same premises, and only two of those three may be dogs. The only exceptions are for those who hold kennel licenses (allowed in Residential 1 detached single-family homes Commercial II, Commercial III, and Office Business Zoning) or for a litter of puppies or kittens from birth through six months of age. You may apply for a kennel license at City Hall. The City Council considers these applications at public hearings. Vadnais Heights does not allow cats and dogs to run at large. Pets in public places or on public property must be restrained by a chain or leash of six feet or less. Pets in a private yard or lot must have the property owner s permission and be effectively restrained by a fence or by another restraint that prevents them from leaving an unfenced area. Dogs may not disturb the neighbors. It is unlawful to own, keep, or harbor a dog that howls, yelps, or barks to the reasonable annoyance of others. Clean up after your dog. You may not leave dog excrement on any public property, or on any private property that does not belong to the pet s owner. Please pick up your dog s waste and put in your own trash can not in a City refuse barrel. Also, please keep your dog off other people s lawns. Dog urine can damage grass or plants. Report a Pothole or Streetlight Outage To report a pothole or streetlight outage on a City street, please joseph.momsen@cityvadnaisheights.com or call City Hall at It is helpful if you have a specific location, address or streetlight pole number. In some areas, the City maintains the streetlights. In most locations, however, the streetlights are maintained by either Xcel Energy or Connexus Energy. City staff will be happy to contact the appropriate utility provider. Lions Belgian Waffle Breakfast Attend the Vadnais Heights Lions Club Fall Belgian Waffle Breakfast on Sunday, October 9, from 8 am to 1 pm at Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F. Adults (ages 15-62) pay $7.50, seniors (ages 63+) pay $6.50, children (ages 6-14) pay $4, and tots (ages 5 and younger) dine for free at the all-you-can-eat event. In addition, the Lions will be drawing the winning raffle ticket for a beautiful hand-made quilt, and offering a delicious assortment of home-made treat at their bake sale Drinking Water Report The City of Vadnais Heights has issued the results of drinking water tests done between January 1 and December 31, The City s drinking water comes from a groundwater source: four wells ranging from 470 to 495 feet deep that draw water from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan aquifer. During 2015, tests detected no contaminants that violated federal drinking water standards. The municipal water in Vadnais Heights has a slightly high iron content, approximately 0.25 mg/l. Ideally, that level would be less than 0.1 mg/l. The hardness level is also slightly high, at approximately 205 mg/l. The City suggests that public water users install water softeners. This report aims to advance consumers understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. To view the report in detail, visit Call City Engineer Mark Graham at with questions about Vadnais Heights drinking water, or for information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect water quality. Safely Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Open a cupboard in your kitchen, basement or garage, and read a few product labels. If they contain the words caution, warning, danger or poison, they may contain materials that are hazardous to you, to your family, and to our environment if not used up or disposed of properly. Don t throw these materials in the garbage or pour them down the sewer or on the ground. Instead, use them up or bring them to a site where they will be properly managed. Visit RamseyRecycles.com for yearround and mobile household hazardous waste site locations and hours. Common Household Hazardous Waste Items Products that require special handling are found in many areas around your home. In the garage, you ll find automotive and recreation materials, including aerosol cleaners, degreasers, antifreeze, oil and gas. Yard and garden care items include fertilizers, pesticides, weed killer, bug spray, and charcoal lighter fluid. Household items may include aerosol cans with product remaining, drain cleaner, mothballs, nail polish/ remover, oven cleaner, spot removers, compact fluorescent bulbs, and mercury-containing thermometers and thermostats. If containers aren t empty, your choices include using them up, giving them away, or taking them to a household hazardous waste drop-off site. Ramsey County s year-round household hazardous waste dropoff site also offers a free product resuse area, so your unwanted items can be used by someone else. Items that are accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Sites include: Antifreeze Batteries (vehicle/rechargeable/button) Bug killers/repellents Cell phones Cleaners Gasoline Mercury thermometers Paint Propane tanks Used oil and filters Weed killer Visit RamseyRecycles.com for a more detailed list or call Ramsey County s Recycling and Disposal Hotline at answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Items that are NOT accepted and can be placed in your trash are: Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) Dried up latex paint (remove lid) Drywall compound (including joint, taping and filler) Empty aerosol cans and other containers (except propane cylinders) Latex or water-based caulk Page 7

8 Friends & Neighbors Paul Bechel Paul and Cheryl Bechel s home houses a menagerie: two dogs, three cats, three tanks of fish, a newt, hamsters, and birds. After 25 years as an entrepreneur and information technology professional, Paul wanted something that he and his wife could do together. So the couple made their hobby a business, opening the second of their Pet Supplies Plus franchises in Vadnais Heights this June. We carry a full line of supplies, all the way from traditional dog and cat food to all-natural and specialty foods, Bechel says. We also carry food and supplies for small animals, and sell fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, small reptiles, birds, and fish. Rather than sell dogs and cats, Pet Supplies Plus partners with rescue organizations and host pet adoption events every weekend. We also host cats for adoption in the store. The cats play in the community room for most of the day, Bechel says. We love pets, plus I really like this business model and the people running it. The couple plans to open a total of five stores in the metro area. Jill Bigelbach Jill Bigelbach is really good at publicizing things. The Vadnais Heights resident is director of community relations at Gable Pines, a senior living community that opened June 28. We offer independent, assisted, and memory care living, Bigelbach says. Bigelbach is in charge of marketing Gable Pines to the larger community. We want to be part of the Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake area, she says. We re going to hold $5 breakfasts for a cause every month. For the first one, all the money goes to the Vadnais Heights food shelf. The second month s breakfast will benefit the Senior Hi-Lites. A late-july open house is another chance for people to tour the facility and try its food. When she s not working, Bigelbach is still publicizing. I m heavily involved with the St. Paul Winter Carnival, she says. In 2013, I was the North Wind Princess, traveling around with the rest of the royal family, spreading goodwill for the city of St. Paul. Now I serve on the ambassador board and am in charge of the wardrobe for the royal ladies. Tim Schwab Every year, thieves steal mail and packages from mailboxes and front porches all over the U.S. Last winter, Ramsey County crime prevention specialist Tim Schwab and plainclothes sheriff s deputies followed mail carriers around Vadnais Heights. We ended up snagging four thieves and returned the 90 pieces of mail they had in their cars, Schwab remembers. Schwab is a White Bear Lake native who has a degree in law enforcement from Century College. At 21 he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he spent eight years on the police force. He s worked for the Ramsey County Sheriff s Office since In addition to nabbing holiday thieves, Schwab looks for ways to built relationships between the sheriff s staff and community members. A recent event at Berwood Park, Hot Dogs with the Deputy, gave him a chance to talk with people and hear about their needs. I also go to community meetings and neighborhood block meetings to talk about how to protect yourself from fraud and theft. We tell people to lock your cars, lock your doors, and keep things out of sight. City DIRECTORY Mayor Marc Johannsen (W) marc.johannsen@cityvadnaisheights.com City Council Members Jerry Auge (H) jerry.auge@cityvadnaisheights.com Terry Nyblom (H) terry.nyblom@cityvadnaisheights.com Craig Johnson (H) craig.johnson@cityvadnaisheights.com Assistant City Administrator Kathy Keefe (W) kathy.keefe@cityvadnaisheights.com City Engineer/ Director of Public Service Mark Graham (W) mark.graham@cityvadnaisheights.com Finance Director Bob Sundberg (W) bob.sundberg@cityvadnaisheights.com The City of Vadnais Heights 800 East County Road E Vadnais Heights, MN Bob Fletcher (C) bob.fletcher@cityvadnaisheights.com City Administrator Kevin Watson (W) kevin.watson@cityvadnaisheights.com Police/Fire Fire Chief, Ed Leier (W) edward.leier@cityvadnaisheights.com Emergency 911 Non-Emergency The City of Vadnais Heights SUMMER/FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER